Kathmandu: Durbar Square, Ason Market & Kathe Simbu Stupa …

Embark on a walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square from Thamel via Kathe Simbu and Ason Bazar. Explore the bustling streets and vibrant marketplaces of Kathmandu, and discover the rich history and culture of the city. Start your tour in Thamel, a lively area filled with narrow streets, colorful shops, and cafes.

Spend a few minutes enjoying the vibrant energy as you prepare for your walking tour. Make sure you’re equipped with comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle. Head east from Thamel to reach Kathe Simbu Stupa, a peaceful Buddhist shrine tucked away from the bustling streets.

This beautiful stupa, also known as the "Little Swayambhu," offers a serene ambiance with prayer wheels, smaller stupas, and intricate stone carvings. Observe the rituals of locals and monks as they spin the wheels and light butter lamps. From Kathe Simbu, walk south to reach Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical treasure of Nepal.

Once the seat of royalty, this square is a showcase of Newari art and architecture. Explore the rich history and artifacts of Nepalese kings at the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum. Visit the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, where you might catch a glimpse of her if she appears at the window.

Admire the exquisite carvings of the Taleju Temple and the massive and revered image of Lord Shiva in his fierce form at the Kala Bhairav Statue. Take your time exploring the temples, shrines, and courtyards, appreciating the intricate wood and stone craftsmanship. As you make your way back to Thamel, take a detour to the bustling Ason Market, one of the oldest and busiest marketplaces in Kathmandu.

Ason is a sensory delight, with vibrant stalls offering everything from spices and vegetables to traditional Nepali artifacts and textiles. Visit the Annapurna Temple, a shrine dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment. Taste street foods like samosas, laphing (spicy Tibetan noodle snack), or sweet jalebis.

Interact with vendors and observe the lively barter system that has been a tradition for centuries. Complete your walking loop by returning to Thamel. Conclude your tour with a refreshing drink or meal at one of Thamel's rooftop cafes.

Reflect on the cultural and historical gems you discovered during your journey.